It’s been a long wait for Bristol fans, but Steve Luatua has finally touched down in the city.

Bristol Rugby announced the signing of Luatua, who has 15 caps for the All Blacks, back on February 13, whilst he was still playing for the Blues over in New Zealand.

In fact the Blues' Super Rugby campaign had not even begun yet, kicking off with a 56-18 victory over the Melbourne Rebels. But on Friday the 6ft 5in backrower arrived in BS3.

“It’s great to be here, finally, in Bristol colours”, the 26-year old told the Bristol Rugby website on the morning he arrived. “I’m really grateful to be here and I’m looking forward to getting to know the boys.”

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“Bristol Rugby is one of the most ambitious clubs in the UK and that’s backed up by a really passionate fan base. I’ve heard great things about the environment that is being built here and the plans in place, so I can’t wait to get started in the summer.”

Luatua, who played a pivotal role in the Blues’ 22-16 victory over the Lions on their tour of New Zealand, now links up once more with Bristol head coach Pat Lam, who managed the flanker as a youngster when he played for Auckland.

The All Black said that, despite a lot of clubs being interested in signing him, it was Lam that convinced him to come to swap hemispheres and come to the West Country.

“I think Pat was huge in my decision – being familiar with him and how he works on and off the field, that definitely helped my decision,” he said. “The fact he had a vision was really important”.

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The All-Black joins a Bristol side who were relegated from the Premiership with just 22 points last season and will look to bounce straight back up to the top flight. And Luatua believes Lam is the man to get them there.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge for both of us. From what I’ve seen in the structures and game plans and what he’s achieved over the past few years, he’s definitely grown as a coach and hopefully I’ve grown as well as a rugby player.

Bristol fans will hope to see Luatua create some memorable moments at Ashton Gate and see if he can bring some magic from the southern hemisphere to the north.

There is just one pre-season game remaining, away to Lam's other former club Connacht on Saturday, before the Greene King IPA Championship season starts at home on Hartpury on September 3.